Who can join?
Who can join?
Local authorities play a leading role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Participation in the Covenant of Mayors for the Mediterranean supports them in this endeavour, by providing them the recognition, resources and networking opportunities necessary to take their energy and climate commitments to the next level.
Who is eligible
The Covenant of Mayors for the Mediterranean is open to all local authorities in the South Mediterranean region, democratically constituted with/by elected representatives, whatever their size and whatever the stage of implementation of their energy and climate policies.
Neighbouring small and medium-sized local authorities can also, under certain conditions, decide to join as a group of signatories and submit a joint Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan, either committing individually (option 1) or collectively (option 2) to their country’s NDC reduction target on CO2 and to an increased resilience to climate change – more information in the FAQ section.
Why join
Covenant of Mayors Mayors for the Mediterranean signatories have multiple reasons to join the movement, which include:
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Enhanced cooperation and support from national and subnational authorities
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High international recognition and visibility for the local authority’s climate and energy action
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Opportunity to contribute to shaping their country’s climate and energy policy
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Credible commitments through progress review and monitoring
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Better financial opportunities for their local climate and energy projects
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Innovative ways to network, exchange experiences and build capacity through regular events, webinars or online discussions
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Practical support (helpdesk), guidance material and tools
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Quick access to “excellence know-how” and inspiring case studies
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Facilitated self-assessment and peer-to-peer exchange through common monitoring and reporting template
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Flexible reference framework for action, adaptable to local needs
Local Actions
CoM-Med will help achieve local actions by backing and empowering local authorities in their role as:
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Primary policy architects and leaders, through the development and implementation of SEACAPs.
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Incubators for Change, through their participation in the CoM Med and promotion of pilot replicable actions among other LAs, creating a much-needed momentum for change.
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Strategic partners, through their support to an integrated approach between national and local authorities and the establishment of SEACAP Support Mechanism (SSM) at national level, backed by demonstrated functional procedures and tools.
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Innovators, as they create adapted and small-scale innovation and experimentation with tailored or low-cost solutions that mobilise local resources.
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And as awareness-raisers; noting that due to their proximity to citizens, cities can be essential actors in raising public awareness, thus instigating change of habits in energy consumption and environmental behaviours.
When to join
Local authorities can sign the Covenant of Mayors for the Mediterranean at any time.